Intel rolls out SSD 520 series

Intel has updated its SSD line with the Cheryville 520 SSD, based on the Sandforce SF-2281 controller paired up with 25nm MLC NAND memory and SATA 6Gbps interface.

Although the new Intel 520 SSD lineup is based on the quite well known SF-2281 controller that has been plagued by infamous BSOD F4/F7 issues, Intel claims that its 520 will have far fewer issues than any SF-2281 based SSD. According to Intel, 520 SSD reliability lies in high quality NAND chips made by IMFT as well as redesigned PCB and custom firmware.

Of course, reliability has to be proven over time but according to some of the first reviews, things look quite good for Intel's Cheryville 520 series. The Intel 520 series provide up to 520MB/s of sustained sequential write performance and up to 550MB/s of sustained sequential read performance with random 4KB read of up to 50,000 IOPS and random 4KB write of up to 60k IOPS.

As expected, the Intel 520 SSD will be available in 60, 120, 180, 240 and 480GB capacities with prices ranging from US $149 for the 60 and up to US $999 for the 480GB one.